Controversy Circles Around Record Mako Shark

Controversy has arisen over the catch and kill of a 1,323lb Shortfin Mako Shark in California which is a potential new world record. There is nothing illegal about this but is it moral some are asking, especially if a big female like this could be carrying many new pups.

As a local fly fishing guide and fishing show host who has specialized in taking clients to catch and release mako sharks, Conway Bowman has mixed views on the recent potential world-record mako caught off Huntington Beach.

Jason Johnston of Mesquite, Texas, fishing on “Mako” Matt Potter’s charter boat, Breakaway, a 37-foot Topaz out of Huntington Beach, landed a 1,323-pound shortfin mako shark Monday. If approved by the International Game Fish Association, the official record-keeper for saltwater and freshwater catches, the catch will topple the current mark of 1,221 pounds caught off Chatham, Mass.